Rouen Chronicles Box Set

by Raven Steele

  My uncle appeared in front of me, his expression a mixture of anger and concern. I wanted to reach out and smooth those lines from his forehead. He moved as if to hug me but thought better of it. No one knew we were related. Best to keep it that way.

  Instead, he patted me on the arm. “Good to see you. We’ll get you out of this.”

  Jerry stepped next to him and placed his hand on my other shoulder. "We did all we could."

  Gerald nodded in agreement behind them.

  I was about to thank them when a deep voice interrupted us. “Stay away from her,” Dominic hissed, his voice more cruel than authoritative.

  Every shifter around me did as he commanded, bound by pack rules, except for Ryder. He stood bravely by my side. I opened my eyes and gave his hand a grateful squeeze. I wasn’t alone in this.

  Dominic stepped onto a small platform, making him a good three heads taller than the rest of us. Next to him stood Lilith Morgan, a powerful witch with the ability to cripple people with her mind, briskly running her fingers through her long, platinum blond hair. This was the first time she didn’t look bored. Instead, she looked angry, but it seemed to be directed at Dominic. Interesting. Maera, her sister, stood next to her, her expression a mask of calm. More so than anyone else, I didn’t like that she was here. I wasn’t so sure I could hold back against her mind-reading abilities while I was so weak.

  Dominic cleared his throat, and the buzzing murmurs of the pack died away. “Thank you for coming tonight. I know I’ve asked a lot of you lately. Our pack has been severed because of recent traumatic events, and so it is with a heavy heart that I hold this trial. No one wants to be a part of this, but—” His voice lowered, and his eyes, full of rage that could light a house on fire, focused on me. “Justice must be served."

  If I had eaten in the past few days, I might have crapped my pants.

  He paused, letting the weight of his words blanket the crowd, but he still continued to gaze at me with predatory eyes. He stepped to the edge of the platform, as if he might lunge for me, but both my uncle and Gerald moved between us. Lilith too, surprisingly laid a hand on his arm.

  He snarled and turned a different direction, the motion clearly forced. He continued, “We lost a great member of our pack a few weeks ago at the hands of this she-wolf, who joined us not long ago and rose quickly in our ranks. I believe her joining the pack was a ruse to gain information to report to the Greybacks. We had an amicable relationship with them before she came along, and I don’t believe this is a coincidence. She already admitted to killing Silas, and she was covered in his blood. The proof is clear."

  He paused and glanced to the ground, whether for dramatic effect or actual sorrow, I couldn’t tell. Either way, the motion was effective. A few wolves howled a mourning cry. As the sound pierced the night, Dominic slowly looked up at me. In that single glance, I knew. The trial was merely a farce to appease the pack.

  No matter what evidence was presented, I wasn't getting out of here alive.

  Chapter 3

  “We can’t ignore the evidence!” Samantha said, loud enough for all to hear. Other’s joined her.

  I choked on a sob, surprised to hear so many stick up for me.

  Dominic snarled and hissed, his voice rising above the pack’s noise. “I seek her immediate death! Our pack has been fractured by this tragedy and only her spilled blood will heal it." His commanding gaze settled over the crowd, the reflective light of the flames dancing wildly in his eyes. He appeared wild and ferocious. Powerful. "Would anyone like to speak in her defense?"

  Gerald stepped forward. "Briar claims she killed Silas in self-defense. When she was found, she was naked and beaten. We can’t ignore that. If she didn't kill him in self-defense, then why was she beaten?"

  "There's a simple answer for that." Dominic’s voice grew louder, angrier. "Silas fought back. I know him. He wouldn’t have gone down quietly."

  "Why the hell was she naked?” Samantha called. Her voice was strong, even though she was speaking against her Alpha. I admired her even more for that.

  His lips tightened followed by his jaw. “Because she saw what she had done and knew there would be severe consequences. Don’t let this small detail fool you. She tried to make it look like she was the one who had been attacked. I’m certain she removed her own clothes for dramatic flair. She is guilty."

  A wave of Alpha persuasion washed over the crowd, so strong even I almost believed him. Several more heads nodded in agreement.

  Gerald tried again. “What about all the Greybacks’ belongings in Silas’ bunker? A bunker that no one knew about?”

  “These questions are tiresome!” Dominic barked. “Once again, I have no doubts that these items were planted by Briar in case she was caught in the act. Which, again, she was caught with his blood on her hands.” He shook his head in frustration. "I know you want to believe in her innocence, but Silas was one of us. He has been with us since this pack was formed. He would never betray it!”

  Dominic shoved Lilith away and stepped off the platform. He closed the distance between us until he stood directly in front of me. He looked me up and down and snorted a disgusted grunt.

  My insides trembled, but I willed it not to show. Be strong. Stare him in the eyes.

  Without turning to Ryder, he said, “Let her go."

  Ryder’s grip tightened on me. Again, I was impressed by Ryder’s inner strength. He wasn’t meant for this city; he was too innocent, too loyal. He deserved something better and if I got out of this alive, I renewed my promise to make Rouen better, if just for him.

  Roaring, Dominic took hold of Ryder’s arm and easily ripped him away from me. Ryder fell to the ground, taking me with him.

  “Get on your knees, bitch.” Dominic’s spittle flew from his mouth, landing on my cheek.

  I held in my retort, knowing it would only make my execution that much swifter. I managed to push onto all fours but couldn't get any further. My arms shook with effort. He reached down and grabbed my hair, easily lifting me.

  A storm raged in his dark eyes. “Admit it. You joined this pack for the sole purpose of killing Silas."

  "Not true."

  He shook me the way a rabid dog shakes a dead rabbit. My teeth vibrated in my mouth, and my muscles tore.

  My uncle stepped forward. "Dominic—”

  "Silence!" Dominic roared. "I am Alpha and this woman has betrayed our pack. She killed a great man. You shouldn’t be defending her!”

  He threw me to the ground. I put my arm out to break my fall, but the force was too strong, my body too weak, and my wrist snapped instead. The sound and instant pain of my bone shattering made bile burn its way up my throat.

  “Can’t you see?” Dominic turned towards the crowd. “The only way to heal this pack is through her death!”

  My uncle reached forward and placed his hand on Dominic’s forearm. "Please. Let her live."

  Dominic shrugged my uncle’s hand away and glared at him. "I will be obeyed." He slid his fiery gaze over the rest of the pack. "But I'm not a monster. I offered the trial like you all wanted. And yet, where is the evidence in her favor?”

  The air was still, except for the noise of someone coughing in the back. Dominic gave them a crazed grin. “No one has anything to present?” When no one responded, he turned to me. “It’s just as I suspected. There is nothing to exonerate you. You killed Silas in cold blood. No one can provide indisputable evidence proving your innocence.”

  He paused, reveling in the moment, a look of pride on his face. Then he turned to Lilith, extending his hand. "Hand me the gun."

  My insides trembled as I watched her reluctantly hand him a large pistol. I had no doubt it contained silver bullets.

  He called out to the crowd, his voice stronger than ever. “Since no one can prove her innocence, Briar is condemned to pay for her sins. But, in an act of mercy, I will make it quick and painless.” He turned to me. “Say your prayers, Briar. Maybe God will forgive you, but you’ll rece
ive no such mercy from me. On your knees.”

  Gathering every ounce of strength I had, I pushed up to my feet and raised my head to look him. If he was going to kill me, he was going to do it staring into my defiant eyes. He reached out to yank me by the hair again, but I bit him hard, my teeth sinking into his skin. He growled and pistol-whipped my head. I stumbled back, but remained upright. Several shifters grumbled in protest, but no one stopped him.

  Dominic waved the gun in my face, screaming, “On your knees!”

  I continued to stare him down without moving. He straightened, his eyes possessed by something dark and violent.

  “Fine. Have it your way. It won’t make you any less dead.” He pointed the gun at my head.

  This was it. Any second and I’d feel the sting of the bullet pierce my brain. I decided not to let Dominic be the last face I saw on this earth. Instead, I turned my gaze to my uncle, the only family I had left. The pain the silver bullet might cause was nothing to how my heart felt in this moment. I had failed, not only myself, but my family, too. Their senseless deaths would not be avenged.

  My uncle wasn’t looking at me, though. His hand moved towards his pocket and he pulled out something shiny. Another gun. He slowly moved it in Dominic’s direction.

  Dominic’s finger moved to the trigger. “This is for Silas.”

  “Stop!”

  My heart leapt in my throat and a breath escaped my lips.

  I recognized that voice. Luke.

  My heart hammered so hard I thought it would burst from my chest. Luke strolled toward me, his eyebrows drawn together, and his jaw muscles bulging on the sides of his face. The pack parted for him easily, his fury palpable in the chilly air. He looked like an angel of vengeance, his face a mask of righteous indignation. I could kiss him right now.

  My uncle quietly stepped back and pocketed his gun.

  “Let me through,” Luke growled to a few who stood near Dominic. Behind him, he dragged a man by the scruff of his neck. Luke tossed the man at Dominic’s feet. The man, dressed in torn jeans and a red t-shirt, groaned and rolled onto his side.

  “What is this, Luke?” Dominic asked, the gun not wavering from my head.

  Luke’s eyes met mine. His face paled at my appearance, and his nostrils flared. Ever so slowly, like a snake slithering toward its prey, his gaze slid to Dominic. “I have your proof.”

  Dominic scowled at the man quivering on the ground before him. “Who is this?”

  Luke spoke loud for all to hear. “I found a Greyback who knows all about Silas' involvement with their pack.” Luke nudged the man with his boot. "Speak as if your life depends upon it."

  Hands bound, the man glanced up at Dominique, his gray eyes red and swollen. "It's true. I saw it with my own eyes. Silas met several times with a couple of Greybacks who were close to Jackson. He wanted their help in removing you as Alpha so he could rule. I heard them say Jackson would help. Together, they worked out some agreement where both packs would rule Rouen.”

  "You lie!" Dominic picked up the man with both hands until they were eye level.

  The small man cowered. “I’m telling the truth. I swear to you. Silas was not who you thought he was."

  "There," Gerald said, capitalizing on the moment. "You have the word of a Greyback. Briar was telling the truth. You have to free her."

  Jerry stepped forward next to Gerald. "I agree.”

  "And me," Samantha added.

  Several more voices added their approval.

  I sucked in a rapid breath, my pulse racing. I’d never teetered between the edge of hope and despair so much in my life. Luke found my gaze and gave me an encouraging smile, an odd contrast to every rigid muscle in his body.

  Dominic let go of the man, a strange calmness coming over him. He glanced back toward Maera. “Do you believe him?”

  She approached him slowly and looked into his eyes. After a few seconds, she reached forward and brushed his forehead while closing her eyes. She had done something similar to me once before. Her gift for reading minds was incredibly powerful.

  Knowing the man was lying, I worried what she might find. But Luke didn’t appear nervous, which eased my mind slightly.

  Maera opened her eyes and withdrew her hand. “He has muddy memories, but I did see him with others speaking to Silas on many occasions."

  "Impossible!" Dominic’s tan face grew pale with shock. "It can't be."

  "The memories are there." She shrugged. "I'm just telling you what I see."

  "Innocent," a voice rang out from the crowd.

  "Innocent!" another called.

  Several more cried out in favor of freeing me. Tears filled my eyes. I might actually survive this.

  Faster than anyone could react, Dominic swiveled the gun and pointed it at the Greyback. The gun fired, making me jump. For a split second, I feared I might’ve been shot, but then the small man rolled to my feet, half his head missing.

  “Damnit,” Luke snapped, dropping to the man. He glanced up at Dominic, his face red and eyes blazing. “Why?”

  “He’s not worthy to breathe the same air as us.”

  “We could’ve questioned him!” Luke said. “Maybe found out where the Greybacks are hiding!”

  “It doesn’t matter.” Dominic shifted his gaze back to me along with the gun.

  Maybe I wasn’t as safe as I thought I was.

  “Dominic!” a voice called. “Stop this nonsense once and for all! You’re embarrassing yourself.”

  Everyone turned back towards the mansion to see who would dare speak to Dominic like that. I about fainted at the sight of the small woman stalking toward us with such force she might as well be holding lightning in one hand and thunder in the other.

  Cassandra Morgan.

  She stormed toward us, casting deadly looks at anyone who dared meet her cold gaze. A few shifters cowered at her glare and backed away. Even Dominic flinched when she stopped in front of him, despite him being at least eight inches taller than her.

  “This is pack business, Cassandra,” he began slowly. “It doesn’t concern you.”

  “That’s horse shit and you know it.” She drilled her small finger into his massive chest as if it were a knife. “If you start running your pack like it’s the Dominic All Hour Show, you’re going to have the Ministry breathing down our necks. And we don’t need that kind of attention. There are bigger things we should be focused on.”

  Her eyes searched his, and I had the distinct impression that she was saying so much more in that weighted gaze. For now, I was glad for her guarded words and unspoken threats. They were the only thing stopping me from being killed.

  After a few tense seconds, Dominic lowered the gun from my head, giving me the chance to suck in a breath.

  “Good boy.” Cassandra smirked. “Remember basic pack law must be followed, a law set by the Ministry, not by you. A trial must always be held and evidence provided. It’s the pack that decides guilt or innocence, not the Alpha.”

  She whirled around, making several members back up, and pointed at me. “Those who believe this woman is guilty, voice your approval now.”

  Only a few wolves howled, those who were faithful followers of Dominic. Heather, Leroy, and even Terrence. I would not forget their faces.

  “Those in favor of her innocence and full membership back into the Silver Claws, let your voice be heard.”

  Almost the whole pack tilted their chins upward and let out a unified howl that silenced every creature in the nearby woods. A chill erupted across my flesh at the powerful sound. Dominic felt it too, his face darkening. When the last voice quieted, a suffocating silence permeated the air as Dominic stared down the pack. His chest moved in and out with big, heaving breaths.

  “As you all wish,” he said, his voice deep and threatening. He walked away, darkness welcoming him until there was nothing left. No one made a sound except for Cassandra. She turned towards me, giving me a disgusted look.

  “This is the only time I will ever in
tervene for you. I know you have secrets, and they will kill you. Time to unburden yourself before it’s too late.” She moved as if to leave, but stopped herself, lowering her voice. “Oh, and you have my daughter’s bleeding heart to thank for this.”

  This time she left me for good, walking in the opposite direction of Dominic towards the parked cars. I didn’t know what to think of her confession. I’d never known her to be kind, but maybe the old bitch had a soft bone in her body after all.

  But she was right about one thing. My secrets were killing me, the loaded gun pointed at my head moments ago proof enough. Lynx must have done some major convincing to get her mother here. I owed her big time.

  Whatever strength that had been keeping me upright moments ago, now left me, and I fell to the ground, finally giving in to my body’s frailty. Ryder dropped with me, and Luke joined us on the ground, looking over me with concern.

  I was still alive! I couldn’t believe it. And so many people had made it possible. Gratitude warmed my heart, and the corners of my mouth twitched up despite every bone-deep ache throbbing through me.

  Everyone surrounded me, some with congratulations and others with questions. My uncle, Jerry, Samantha, and Gerald stood just behind Luke and Ryder, their eyes full of worry tinged with anger.

  Luke shoved people away. “Give her some space!”

  “Food,” I gasped. “Water.”

  He scooped me into his arms and carried me away from the crowd, his mouth a tight line. Ryder and my uncle pushed through the swarm to clear the way for him.

  “We’ll visit you soon,” Jerry called after me.

  I tried to say thank you, but the words caught in my dry throat. I leaned into Luke, pressing my head against his heart to hear the rapid beat, a sound I thought I’d never hear. I inhaled his scent, earthy with a hint of gasoline. My eyelids grew heavy.

  A hand grasped my shoulder, and my eyes flew open. We had reached my uncle’s car. While he fumbled with the key in the lock, he stared down at me, agony twisting his expression.